64 THE BOOK OF MARKET GARDENING 



individuals who might imagine they would gain in the 

 weight are labouring under a mistake. Any one familiar 

 with the markets knows the value attached by purchasers, 

 whether dealers or consumers, to clean root crops, and 

 it is one of the special advantages of soils which are not 

 unduly heavy, that the crops turn out clean in the 

 course of lifting without necessitating much after- 

 attention. 



Cleansing pays in every case, but the actual subjection 

 of a crop to a washing process is not practicable under 

 all circumstances, though it is essential to the proper 

 marketing of some produce. For example, Radishes 

 nearly always require a preparatory washing, and there 

 is no question that Carrots and Turnips are equally im- 

 proved in appearance and value. The same remark 

 applies to Celery, which should always be sent to the best 

 markets in a clean condition. 



Wherever there is a good supply of water — and this 

 is essential in all the best market gardens — the provision 

 of an arrangement for the systematic washing of crops 

 that require it is neither expensive nor difficult. A 

 series of large shallow tubs or tanks which can be readily 

 and quickly filled or emptied and a connecting pipe 

 with large taps for the supply, with large plugs at the 

 base for outlet, will answer the purpose, while if it is 

 desired to save the water, a channel may be constructed 

 to convey it to a tank at a lower level. If the washing 

 of crops is attempted on a large scale it is no use half 

 doing the work ; do it as thoroughly as possible, and 

 have the roots or other produce cleansed, not merely 

 smudged over, they are almost better left in their natural 

 state. This is one reason why several tubs are needed, 

 so that after the washing, rinsing in fresh water will 

 complete the operation. This seems a small detail for a 

 large undertaking, but these small matters tell on ultimate 

 success, as every successful business man has proved. 



